Roger Federer gives heartwarming tribute to good friend Stanislas Wawrinka on his 40th birthday

Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka have delivered some notable performances together, such as the 2008 Olympic gold in men's doubles and the 2014 Davis Cup victory.

Roger Federer gives heartwarming tribute to good friend Stanislas Wawrinka on his 40th birthday

Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka at the 2008 Beijing Olympics (image via Olympics)

Roger Federer recently paid tribute to compatriot Stan Wawrinka on his 40th birthday. Wawrinka has already entered his 24th professional season this year. After a difficult start to the season with four consecutive defeats, he reached the quarterfinals of the Napoli Challenger. Federer fondly recounted his experiences with Wawrinka at the 2008 Olympics and the 2014 Davis Cup.

Federer and Wawrinka triumphed at the Beijing Olympics together in 2008, even taking out two of the greatest doubles teams of all time in straight sets along the way—they cruised past Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Paes in the quarterfinals, 6-2, 6-4.

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I’ve shared so many incredible moments with Stan over the years, but some of my favorite moments will always be winning the Olympic doubles gold medal and the Davis Cup victory.

Roger Federer told Blick

They defeated the favored American duo of the Bryan Brothers in the semifinals, 7-6 (6), 6-4. In the finals, they battled past the Swedish team of Simon Aspelin and 2002 Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson, 6-3, 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-3. This marked a second Olympic medal for Federer and a first for Wawrinka.

Roger Federer recalls a special memory with Stan Wawrinka from the 2014 Davis Cup finals

Roger Federer recounted a special moment from their time at the 2014 Davis Cup. The tournament took place in Lille, France, with Switzerland clinching the title for the first time, defeating hosts France 3-1 in the final. Along the way, the squad—spearheaded by Federer and Stan Wawrinka—defeated Serbia, Kazakhstan, and Italy.

Switzerland Davis Cup 2014 Roger Federer Stan Wawrinka
Switzerland winning the 2014 Davis Cup (image via Davis Cup)

I particularly remember the 2014 Davis Cup final in Lille. After losing in three sets on the opening day, Stan came up to me and asked, ‘Is your back feeling better?’ I hesitated for a moment because, to be honest, my lower back was barely holding up, but I told him it had gradually gotten better during the match. Without a second thought, he took my bag and said, ‘That’s great, that’s all we need. Let’s go. That moment meant everything. It was Stan at his most pure. Focused, determined, and always ready to move forward. He gave me exactly what I needed: faith, strength, and the reminder that we would get through this together. 

Roger Federer added

In the final against France, Wawrinka gave his country the perfect start by defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets. Wawrinka then teamed up with Federer to win the doubles rubber against the 2012 Olympic men’s doubles bronze medalists Julien Benneteau and Richard Gasquet and give Switzerland a 2–1 lead going into the final day. This also marked their first win together on clay. Wawrinka did not play on the final day, as Federer sealed the tie by beating Gasquet in straight sets for Switzerland’s first Davis Cup title.

Roger Federer acknowledges Stan Wawrinka’s impressive career

Roger Federer expressed that it was a privilege to watch Stan Wawrinka grow throughout his career, from helping him in the beginning to the moment he lost to him. Federer first lost to Wawrinka in the 2009 Monte Carlo Masters. Wawrinka turned pro in 2002 and won his first ATP title in 2005 at the Croatia Open Umag. To date, he has won 16 ATP singles titles.

Stan Wawrinka Grand Slam
Stan Wawrinka has won the Grand Slam thrice (images via ATP)

Wawrinka has reached four Grand Slam singles finals in his career, winning three. He won his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2014 Australian Open by defeating Rafael Nadal. In the 2015 French Open and the 2016 US Open, Wawrinka defeated Novak Djokovic in the finals. He is the second Swiss male player to win a Grand Slam after Federer. Wawrinka and Federer have played each other 26 times, with Wawrinka trailing 3–23.

It’s been a privilege to watch Stan grow throughout the tour. From the beginning of his career, when I was still helping him, to the moment I lost to him. Like in 2014, in that unforgettable Monte Carlo final, after we warmed up together. It’s incredible that he’s still pursuing his passion, and I can’t believe he’s already 40! But knowing Stan, I think it’s the same for him. Cheers to you, Stan. Here’s to many more magical years on and off the court!

Roger Federer added

While their rivalry has been one-sided in Federer’s favor, the two of them have contested some close matches, such as the 2014 Monte Carlo Rolex Masters final, in which Wawrinka came from a set down to defeat Federer in three sets to clinch his first Masters 1000 title. Wawrinka also defeated Federer in straight sets during the 2015 French Open quarterfinals.